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I have been toying around with the idea of changing out the leading edge SLE tubes for something more flexy to slow the reaction down a little or buy a B series which has lighter tubes. Does the B series have much over the SLE. My SLE is older and has the mylar panels in it. Icarex better?

I have both the SLE and B Series. I used a 3 wrap frame on the SLE Std sale and for lighter winds a set of Race Rods. On my B series which is a Mid vent, I use a 3 wrap frame. I have Magic Sticks on both my Revs, so the mid vent with a 3 wrap will take me easily over 20 mph winds. I haven't used the SLE rods in months, way to stiff.

I have been toying around with the idea of changing out the leading edge SLE tubes for something more flexy to slow the reaction down a little or buy a B series which has lighter tubes. Does the B series have much over the SLE. My SLE is older and has the mylar panels in it. Icarex better?

Any input would be appreciated.

Icarex is the best fabric, you'd use it yourself if you were a recognized & decent kite builder! Most of concur that a more flexible leading edge is also benefit. The mylar was dumped by the factory a few years ago as most folks prefer the same material thru-out for stretching consistance and also weight savings.

The newer B-sEries and the latest "New York Minute" style have a curvature built into the leading edge that older designs lack. The curvature captures more wind, like a cup holds more water than a tray.

You can "pre-load" the SLE and use some P-90 skyshark tubes to improve the low wind performance substantially. Tie a piece of hi-test bridle line from one end-cap thru all the bungies and bits to the other side and add a slip/sliding knot (like a Rok's cross spreaders feature) so you can add pretensioned curvature easily on the leading edge. Try a couple of inches of deflection (from a laser straight leading edge) on each side first.

Eliot Shook can help you,.... call Flying Smiles kites and tell 'em you want more performance from your SLE Rev. You could change bridles, add magic sticks, go to longer throw handles, try different leading edge tubes, even a six piece instead of 3 (travel frame) option.

If you get an opportunity try to attend one of the big festivals, you can experiment with options on OPKs and determine what suits your own style and local conditions.

I'd say buy a race frame for your current Rev and you'll have one kite to cover a pretty wide wind range. The differences in sail design from old to new 1.5 Revs is pretty subtle for the average flyer, but pretty important to advanced flyers. The frame is the biggest difference, the most bang for your buck.

The big interest in group flying, or what I call "precision" quad flying has made bendy LEs more important. More forgiving, for sure, but maybe a bit boring? A matter of preference. Flying by yourself, or if you like a faster, more aggressive style of flying, the stiffer frame may be the way to go. Trying different frames is great fun, and relatively cheap. You can always upgrade the sail later.

I'd say buy a race frame for your current Rev and you'll have one kite to cover a pretty wide wind range. The differences in sail design from old to new 1.5 Revs is pretty subtle for the average flyer, but pretty important to advanced flyers. The frame is the biggest difference, the most bang for your buck.

The big interest in group flying, or what I call "precision" quad flying has made bendy LEs more important. More forgiving, for sure, but maybe a bit boring? A matter of preference. Flying by yourself, or if you like a faster, more aggressive style of flying, the stiffer frame may be the way to go. Trying different frames is great fun, and relatively cheap. You can always upgrade the sail later.

Nice part about the Race Frame is that it weighs about the same as a 2 wrap, but is as strong as a 3 wrap, so it has good light wind performance, yet the strength to handle winds a bit stronger.

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